Two new CMS websites for 2011

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has launched two new websites:

The first phase of the Physician Compare website mandated by the Affordable Care Act. This website is basically a doctor finder but it does show whether or not participates in Medicare and whether the doctor is involved with Medicare's physician quality initiative (PQRI). Fierce Healthcare IT reports that

A second phase of the site, scheduled to launch later this year, will show whether or not listed doctors are volunteering to prescribe medicine electronically. Data about the quality of care received by Medicare patients from medical providers is scheduled to be available by 2013. 

and

A website designed to help health care providers and health insurers prepare for next year's major technological change -- introduction of the ANSI X 5010 electronic health care transaction standards. Get Ready 5010 will hold a series of free webinars on January 11 through 13, 2011.  The webinars will feature speakers from CMS, provider and payer organizations, and will discuss:

• The current level of readiness and plans for testing

• How to prepare for testing

• Version 5010 basics for newcomers